Janet Suzman Remembers... Hedda Gabler

Renowned actress Dame Janet Suzman reflects on her acclaimed 1972 portrayal of Ibsen’s formidable heroine Hedda Gabler.

The adaptation was directed by Waris Hussein and also starred Ian McKellen as Hedda's insufferable husband, Tesman, with Jane Asher as childhood friend Thea in a cast that Suzman remembers with great fondness.

Reflecting on Hedda’s fascinating complexity, emotional depth and human flaws, Janet describes the actor’s task of stepping fully into a character’s worldview. Suzman reminds us of the power of great writing, and the rare opportunity the Ibsen play offered at the time: a complex, emotionally rich leading part for a woman.